Pro-lifers to walk through downtown LA on Roe v. Wade anniversary

Thousands of people are expected to meet at the Los Angeles Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels Jan. 22 and take part in a pro-life procession through the streets of downtown L.A. to pray for an end to abortion.

The Los Angeles Archdiocese Commission for Catholic Life Issues and Hispanics for Life are sponsoring the 2006 Los Angeles March for Life/Life Chain that will mark the 33rd anniversary of Roe v. Wade.

"Life Chain is a way to make the proclamation [that] to be human is to be called to protect life and to promote human dignity," said Cardinal Roger Mahony, archbishop of Los Angeles.

"The 2006 Life Chain will be a reflection of the cultural diversity of the Catholic Church," added Astrid Bennett Gutierrez, board member of Hispanics for Life.

Bishop Edward Clark, auxiliary bishop of Los Angeles, will open the event with a pro-life prayer and statement.

The event will begin at 2 p.m. in the cathedral plaza. A rosary procession at 2:30 p.m. will lead thousands to the Life Chain route along the 101 FWY and the busy Olvera Street to the area of Our Lady of Guadalupe to listen to speakers.

Walkers will carry signs in both English and Spanish that read: "Abortion Kills Children" and "Jesus Forgives and Heals."